Bridging the Gulf: Modi’s visit transforms India-Kuwait relations

Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over four decades, has elevated bilateral ties to strategic partnership, and opened new vistas of cooperation in key areas such as defence, digital innovation and healthcare.

Kuwait’s rulers rolled out the red carpet to welcome PM Modi with a ceremonial guard of honour at Bayan Palace, followed by wide-ranging talks between the leaders of India and Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024. PM Modi held talks with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The talks focused on deepening economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries, bound by ties of history and culture. Moving beyond traditional areas of cooperation, the two sides charted ambitious plans in cutting-edge sectors like fintech, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. “India and Kuwait have always shared a special bond,” PM Modi remarked. “This visit lays the foundation for a dynamic partnership that aligns with the aspirations of our peoples,” he said.

The signing of a defence pact was the standout takeaway of PM Modi’s visit to the oil-rich state. The defence pact provides a robust framework for collaboration in areas such as maritime security, joint military exercises, training programs, and the development of defence technologies.

Trade and energy, long the backbone of India-Kuwait relations, were given a fresh boost. Bilateral trade hit $10.47 billion in 2023-24, and Kuwait remains India’s sixth-largest supplier of crude oil, meeting 3% of its energy needs. With Indian exports to Kuwait crossing $2 billion for the first time and Kuwaiti investments in India exceeding $10 billion, the discussions focused on diversifying this economic partnership.

However, the visit wasn’t just transactional; it was about shaping a shared future. The two countries signed agreements in key areas such as digital innovation, healthcare, and sustainable development. These accords reflect a strategic vision that extends beyond immediate gains, aiming for long-term regional stability and prosperity.

The Emir’s decision to bestow The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait’s highest civilian honour, on PM Modi, was a recognition of the Indian leader’s tireless contribution to shaping ties with the Gulf region. “This honour is not just for me but for the enduring friendship between India and Kuwait,” Mr. Modi stated.

“PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait completes an arc as this was the only Gulf country PM Modi had not visited in the last decade. The visit was transformational and underscored the growing salience of the Gulf region in India’s foreign policy outreach,” said Manish Chand, CEO, Centre for Global Insights India, a think tank focused on global affairs.

“Kuwait is an influential player in Gulf Cooperation Council. PM Modi’s visit underlined an alignment of India’s Growth Story and Kuwait’s Vision 2035. This synergy will continue to drive India-Kuwait relations on a higher trajectory in years to come,” said Mr Chand, who travelled to Kuwait for then vice-president Hamid Ansari’s visit to the Gulf state in April 2009.

The visit also stood out for its outreach to the Indian diaspora, which forms a crucial pillar of Kuwait’s economy. Speaking to an enthusiastic audience of Indian expatriates, Mr Modi expressed admiration for their role in strengthening bilateral ties. “You are not just workers or professionals here; you are bridges of culture, trust, and opportunity,” he said. He also took time to meet Abdulla Al Baroun and Abdul Lateef Al Nesef, scholars who translated Indian epics into Arabic, underlining the deep cultural currents linking the two nations.

(Kartike Garg contributed inputs for this article)

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